Applying for nursing programs at 30?

^^excellent post by verene above!

Just to share my experience, I decided to go the ABSN route because in my area, hospitals don't hire ADN RNs (which was my first choice route, due to time and money.) Because of that, my new plan was to apply to three programs: first, the ABSN, then the traditional BSN, then the associates program at my local community college (where I completed prereqs) and then bridge to BSN. I had also considered WGU, since there's a BSN program in my area.

All three programs had slightly different prereqs. Since my first choice was the ABSN, I concentrated on those prereqs. Had I not been accepted, it would have taken me another semester to complete the class I needed for my other choices, but I ended up not having to worry about it.

In my ABSN program, we start clinicals at week 5.

I am turning 31 soon, so you are not old. As far as what path you should take, it depends. I live in NYC so it is very competitive, and the job market is saturated with graduates. Therefore, I will only apply to ABSN, BSN or Direct Entry Masters. Why? I cannot waste time getting ADN, then doing BSN. Also, not only do I already have a BA, but I also have a MS. Your situation maybe different. If you live in a location where hospitals gladly will hire ADN nurses, then go for ADN.

I am currently working on prereqs to apply for a direct entry master's program and I am 35, changing careers from social work. I chose the direct entry master's route in order to qualify for financial aide/loans since I won't as a second bachelor's student. If I am not accepted when the time comes I will look at applying for an ABSN program and looking into private student loans. Good luck with whatever you decide!

Thank you so much for all your input. This really helps.

The LPN program I completed did not have any prerequisites. Our clinicals started the 2nd month of our program - we went to two different nursing homes and two different hospitals. While in the hospitals I was able to spend time in the ER, Neuro, Med-Surg and Labor/Delivery units. Every school will offer different experiences but in my area most of the RNs who were LPNs first say that they received much more clinical experience in the LPN program.

The reality of being an LPN is that there are not too many positions available in the hospitals. Something rather odd that I've noticed is that the only Magnet hospital in my area is also the only one in the area who is still hiring LPNs... This is odd because Magnet hospitals usually gain that status by having a high number percentage of nurses who have a BSN. I actually know someone who has been working there as an LPN and just graduated from RN school last month - with her tuition paid by the hospital. I'm sure that she had to sign a contract with them to continue on for her BSN as well.

LPNs have a "different scope" meaning that we do not have as wide of a scope. Most of the jobs available are in the nursing home, assisted living and doctor/clinic office setting. HOWEVER - it is my experience that getting a job as an LPN is VERY EASY. I live in Florida so perhaps its because of our large senior citizen population.... but I'd imagine that there are plenty of desperate nursing homes all over the country.

By no means am I saying to become an LPN instead of an RN... RNs have much better work opportunities (not necessarily MORE but definitely better work options)... but if you are looking for steady work and decent pay - then the fastest and more convenient route for you might be to become an LPN first.